ome of the most
popular hotspots
chosen by Singapore
travellers are beach
destinations. Among
Jetstar travellers, Bali, Phuket,
Penang and Da Nang are
some of the favourite beach
destinations to fly to.
This month, we have added
sunny Sanya on Hainan Island
in China to the list. Known
as the ‘Hawaii of the east’,
Sanya has a 40km stretch of
aquamarine waters, white
sand and lush, rainforested
mountains that are perched on
the southernmost tip of Hainan.
If you’re looking for a beach
destination beyond the usual,
Jetstar Asia is the only airline
that flies two weekly services
direct to Sanya.
If you’re looking for more
flexibility, Singapore travellers

also have the option to choose
from six weekly services to
Haikou on Hainan Island
and then make their way
inland to Sanya.
With the year-end school
holidays upon us, families
looking for a change in season
should also consider Osaka,
Hong Kong or Taipei as their
winter holiday break.
Once again, we wish all of
you a safe flight and thank you
for flying with Jetstar!

Barathan Pasupathi
CEO, Jetstar Asia Airways

03

Welcome I Group CEO note

Supporting community

04

What a privilege it
is to work with such
big-hearted, caring
and communityminded team
members

Y

ou might have noticed
some colour clashing
at Jetstar recently.
Last month team
members right across
our network – in Singapore, New
Zealand, Australia and Japan –
supported breast cancer awareness
month by wearing pink pins
and wings on their uniforms.
In doing so, they raised
thousands of dollars for breast
cancer foundations in the
region and, importantly, raised
awareness among so many
more of our customers.

This month, you might
encounter a bit more facial hair
around our network, as teams
get behind Movember, the global
movement to raise awareness for
men’s health issues.
I’m so proud that our team
members are always looking
for ways to support the more
vulnerable people in their
communities.
In Australia our teams work
hard every day to raise funds for
StarKids, our partnership with
World Vision, helping children
in the countries we ﬂy to.
And in Japan, our team recently
hosted airport tours for children
from the Kumamoto prefecture
who had been aﬀected by
earthquakes.
What a privilege it is to work
with such big-hearted, caring
and community-minded team
members.
We hope you enjoy your ﬂight,

NOVEMBER
HIGHLIGHTS
Here are just some of the things we
love in this month’s issue – enjoy!

Natural wonders p23

Seeing stars
Michelin hotspots p53

Party hostels p16

Jayne Hrdlicka
Jetstar Group CEO

Arty treats
Share your
Jetstar journey
with us

FOLLOW: @jetst

arasia

On the radar p06

J-Pop lovers, get ready – Anime
Festival Asia comes to Singapore
this month. On November 25–27, all
things Japanese pop culture will be
celebrated at the Suntec Singapore
Convention & Exhibition Centre,
with a line-up of well-known artists
performing in a ﬂ urry of fun and
colour. animefestival.asia/afasg16

PHOTO ANIME FESTIVAL ASIA

05

WHAT’S HOT? 08 I PARTY HOSTELS 16 I NATURE SPOTS 23

Insider I NEWS

On the radar
Be inspired for your next adventure with everything new and
noteworthy across the Jetstar Asia network

Uncover a
hidden world

FANCY DINNER
ON A GLASSBOTTOM
BRIDGE?
If you weren’t already terriﬁed
enough walking across the
300m-high glass-bottomed
bridge in the Hunan province,
China, you can now stop
for a bite. The cliff-hugging
restaurant on the Shiniuzhai
Skywalk tempts visitors with
the opportunity to eat in the air.
This is not an experience for
anyone with a weak stomach.

Queensland’s
hidden reef

6
06

Jakarta hotel
hits new heights
The Indonesian capital is
home to a new Westin hotel,
slated to be the tallest hotel
in Indonesia. The Westin
Jakarta occupies ﬂoors
50 to 69 of the Gama Tower
with some 272 guestrooms
and suites – all boasting
incredible city views. The
hotel also features varied
dining options, with the
hotel’s newest restaurant,
Henshin, set to offer an
unusual mix of Peruvian
and Japanese ﬂavours.

Munch on lasercut macarons
The ArtScience Museum
recently welcomed the
arrival of FabCafe Singapore,
where you can enjoy a side
of art, creativity and
technology with your coffee.
Visitors will be able to learn
about fabrication technology
such as 3D printing and laser
cutting, while nibbling on
creative treats like laser-cut
macarons.
marinabaysands.com/
museum

Wyndham Grand
hotel to open
in Phuket
Phuket welcomes South-East
Asia’s ﬁrst Wyndham Grand
at Kalim Bay this month. Just
north of the popular Patong
area, the hotel features 214
hotel rooms, including 152
luxury pool villas. Each villa
has its own inﬁnity pool
overlooking the sea. The
hotel also offers a range of
restaurants, a spa, an outdoor
pool and a kids’ club.

A hidden reef has
been discovered
behind Australia’s
famous Great Barrier
Reef by a team of
scientists from James
Cook University, the
University of Sydney
and Queensland
University of
Technology. Data
shows the seaﬂoor is
covered with unusual
doughnut-shaped
circular mounds
created by Halimeda
algae bioherms.
These reef-life
structures are made
up of living calciﬁed
segments, which
bond together and
cover some 6,000 sq
km – roughly threetimes the previously
estimated size.

Insider I EVENTS

Shhh... let’s rock
out, in silence

The hot list
This month art, in all its conceptions, is on the events calendar
with the Affordable Art Fair in Singapore and Hong Kong’s Arts in the
Park Mardi Gras

Hong Kong
Great November
Feast

Clockenﬂap music
& arts festival

Throughout November

8
08

November 25–27

This month,
Hong Kong sizzles
with street carnivals,
masterclasses,
wine tastings and,
of course, plenty
of culinary events.
Popular events
include the Hong
Kong International
Wine and Spirits
Fair (November
10–12), the selfguided Urban Wine
Walk Around Town
and the Best of
the Best – where
award-winning
restaurants dish
up a gastronomic
experience and
showcase their
meals.
discoverhongkong.com/
us/see-do/events-festivals/
highlight-events/greatnovember-feast.jsp

Tickets start from HKD850 (S$149) for one day

This three-day extravaganza of
music, art and culinary delights
boasts a programme of movie
concerts, silent discos and
performances from legendary
artists. This year’s line-up
includes the likes of Iceland’s
Sigur Rós and Taiwan’s Cheer
Chen, who will be playing
against the backdrop of the
Hong Kong skyline.
clockenﬂap.com

Affordable
Art Fair
November 18–20
Have some wall space at home?
Head to Singapore’s annual
Affordable Art Fair for tours,
talks and paintings, prints and
sculptures priced between
S$100 and S$15,000. This year,
artists from Singapore, Asia,
Australia and Europe will show
their works at the F1 Pit Building.
affordableartfair.com/
Singapore

Arts in the Park

Tori-No-Ichi

November 12–13
Get involved with one of
Hong Kong’s largest community
arts events at the Standard
Chartered Arts in the Park
Mardi Gras. Thousands of young
people showcase artworks and
put on performances. This year’s
event will celebrate 400 years
of Shakespeare, with artists
taking inspiration from
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
hkyaf.com

The Tori-No-Ichi festival takes
place in Tokyo this month,
on the days of the rooster
(which occur every 12 days).
During the festival, you can
attend Otori shrines to ask for
plentiful harvests and good
luck in business. Or, head to the
markets that spring up around
the shrines and look for
the lucky kumade bamboo
rakes. The largest shrine is
Otori-jinja Shrine in Taito-ku.

9

3-WAY MOUNT
MODEL #AFAEM-001

$YDLODEOHDW

Insider I IN PROFILE

THE IDEAS
MAN
Wee Teng Wen hopes
to create meaningful
experiences by sharing his
love for all things delicious
and beautiful

INTERVIEW SASHA GONZALES

A
The stunning
reading room
houses a tea salon
and spans three
shophouses

new public reading
room is the latest
addition to Singaporean
entrepreneur Wee Teng
Wen’s collection of hip
restaurants and bars. It all began
with one Singapore-themed rooftop
bar – Loof – in 2005. Today, The Lo
& Behold Group has 11 dining and
drinking establishments, including
the Modern European restaurant
White Rabbit on Dempsey Hill and
the Michelin-starred modern French
restaurant Odette. The company,
co-founded by 36-year-old Wee,
marked its 11th anniversary this
year with the opening of his latest
creative concept, Looksee Looksee.
The stunning reading room houses
a tea salon, spans three shophouses
and is located at The Lo & Behold
Group’s new headquarters in the
heritage district of Kampong Glam.

11

Insider I IN PROFILE

way for our company to
give back to the creative
community.

You co-own Odette
with chef Julien Royer
and it was awarded two
Michelin stars this year. It’s
always booked out – why?

Q

The food is amazing. Chef
Julien Royer and his team
turn the best ingredients
into truly unforgettable
dishes, like my favourite
Hay-Roasted Pigeon. The
space was designed to be
warm and welcoming.

Sit back... and
relax at Looksee Looksee
How did you start out
in this business?

Q
12

I was working as a
management consultant
in Boston when I chanced
upon the abandoned
rooftop at Odeon
Towers in Singapore.
Seeing an opportunity,
I took over the space
and transformed it
into Singapore’s ﬁrst
quintessential rooftop
bar, Loof. That was the
beginning of The Lo &
Behold Group.

How do you explain
Loof’s ongoing success?

Q

We opened Loof when
foreign-branded bars
were a big part of our local
nightlife scene. Loof was
diﬀerent as it celebrated
Singaporean culture.
That, I believe, is what
keeps people coming
back. The food, drinks
and decor all have a local
twist – and even the name
‘Loof’ is a play on the
way some Singaporeans
pronounce ‘roof’.

What’s the idea behind
Looksee Looksee?

Q

Looksee Looksee is both
a reading room – carrying
books that have inspired
the creative leaders
we admire – and a tea
salon, run by specialty
tea company A.muse
Projects. We wanted a
space where creative
entrepreneurs could
come in, relax with some
tea and be inspired.
It was also designed
as a sanctuary for our
employees, as The Lo &
Behold Group’s oﬃces are
right upstairs.

Q

Who selects the titles?

The leaders of
Singapore’s creative
industries – Priscilla Ong
Shunmugam from fashion
label Ong Shunmugam,
Wayne Lee from Zouk,
Cynthia Chua from The
Spa Esprit Group, and
chef Willin Low from the
modern Singaporean
restaurant Wild Rocket, to
name a few. We’re always

Top to bottom: the lounge area at
Looksee Looksee; the warm, bright
and welcoming interior at Odette;
the rose-ﬂavoured Bandung Bloom
cocktail at Loof

It’s a way to give
back to the creative
community
reaching out to new
contributors, though. We
hope to add new books at
least every six months.

Looksee Looksee is
free for public use.
Why?

Q

It was never meant to
generate revenue. It’s
a space for the public
to experience The Lo
& Behold Group and a

Q

What’s next for The Lo
& Behold Group?

We will launch our
Warehouse Hotel at the
end of the year. We’re
excited because we’ll run
the hotel’s restaurant and
bar. The site was once
a merchant warehouse
along the Singapore River.
It’s steeped in history,
which we hope to bring to
life for our guests.

INTERVIEW JOANNE BROOKFIELD

2
4

1
14

3

Oldie, but
a goodie
Known aﬀectionately
as ‘the Pun’, the historic
area of Sai Ying Pun
on Hong Kong Island
is the new place to be,
with its range of bars,
eateries, boutiques and
cool street life

5

1

Get.Give
The sleek black shopfront
contrasts with the natural
wood interior of this
stylish eco homewares
shop. Founders Kate Jones and Seanne
Ducat have sourced bespoke and artisan
eco products from like-minded designers,
indie suppliers and craftspeople. The goods
are sustainable and built to last – think
handcrafted Japanese wooden dustpans
by Asahineko Studio and pot-scrubbers by
Redecker. 14 Po Tuck St, +852 2858 0225;
get-give.co

2

Ping Pong
Gintoneria
Three years ago, the
idea of a cocktail bar in
the then-quiet residential
area of Sai Ying Pun would have been lost on
most visitors – and even locals. Not anymore:
now Juan Martínez Gregorio has opened Ping
Pong, a specialist gin and tonic bar known
as a ‘gintoneria’. The industrial-look bar also
pays tribute to old Hong Kong with neonpink signage and a big red Chinese-style
front door. 129 Second St, L/G Nam Cheong
House, +852 9835 5061; pingpong129.com

Insider I POSTCODE

A line-up of artisanal
sake brands ensures
a lively mood
5

Thorn & Burrow
Take the lift up to this
boutique that packs a
colourful punch with
its unique, handpicked
homewares. The bright and cheery interior
features a mountain of cushions in assorted
fabrics, Moroccan rugs, ottomans, retro Hong
Kong posters, and Chinese sideboards and
armchairs updated with a lick of glossy paint.
There’s also kitchenware in store and designsavvy souvenirs such as dumpling-shaped salt
and pepper shakers. 1/F, 30 High St,
+852 2559-9338; thornandburrow.com

6

Winstons Coffee
The aromas from
Winstons’ La Marcozza
coffee machine waft
through the Pun from
7am, creating its own breed of local trafﬁc.
What’s popular here: ﬂat whites and piccolo
lattes served with pastries, baps (bread rolls)
and sandwiches. At the end of the day, coffee
martinis are popular with locals – a novelty
that evokes neighbourhood conviviality akin
to coffee shops of old, says director Simon
Disler. Fu Kwok Building, 213 Queen’s Rd
West, +852 2559 5078; winstonscoffee.com

7
6

WORDS PENNY WATSON ILLUSTRATION KAT CHADWICK
PHOTOS INGA BECKMANN

3

Potato Head
Cocktails at the Potato
Head Beach Club in Bali
are a must do. The same
goes for the Indonesian
group’s new Hong Kong outlet. The space
includes a beachware boutique, a coffee
counter, a festive tropical bar and a light and
airy casual dining area with lovely hanging
pot-planters. The restaurant, Kaum, lined with
handcrafted woodcarvings, has a menu that’s
inspired by Indonesian tribal cuisine.
100 Third St, +852 2858 6066;
ptthead.com

4

Dried Seafood
Street
The old ways have
quickly moved on,
but Hong Kong’s timehonoured cooking traditions are still revered
in the city-state. The heady aroma of salted
ﬁsh or haam yu (an age-old Cantonese
staple) permeates the air here, and the sound
of customers haggling gives the street a
distinctly local feel. Clock your eyes on jars
of shark ﬁns and sea cucumbers, tubs of dried
abalone and bags of whitebait and anchovies.
Des Voeux Rd West

7

Okra Kitchen
This izakaya, which
serves sashimi and
charcoal-grilled small
plates, uses ingredients
from all over the world to create its traditional
Japanese cuisine. It’s a cool hidey-hole space
with exposed concrete ceilings, moody downlights, a great mural and bar stools lined up
in front of the open kitchen. Seventies funk
tunes play on rotation, and a line-up of
artisanal sake brands ensures a lively mood.
110 Queen’s Rd West, +852 2806 1038;
okra.kitchen

15
025

WHERE’S
THE PARTY?
NO, THE FUN TIMES ARE NOT AT THE
HOTTEST BARS AND CLUBS IN TOWN, BUT AT
THESE PARTY HOSTELS. EXPECT DJ NIGHTS,
LIVE MUSIC, DRINK SPECIALS AND PUB
CRAWLS. SIGN US UP!
16

Top to bottom: there’s a nightly party at
Reggae Mansion; ﬁnd great tunes and
party vibes at the Prince of Wales

T

here are hostels, and then
there are party hostels,
where backpackers can get
a taste of travel and let their
hair down. Party hostels
are like regular hostels: they oﬀer
budget-friendly accommodation, and
essential facilities and services like
wi-ﬁ and breakfast. But they also boast
an on-site bar, organise pub crawls and
other events, or host weekly themed
parties and live music performances.
If you consider yourself outgoing and
adventurous, love to socialise and
enjoy a drink, you’ll feel right at home.

SINGAPORE Prince Of Wales

If you are outgoing and adventurous
and love to socialise, you’ll feel
right at home

This hostel is located in the colourful
enclave of Little India and is about
a 10-minute bus ride from the other
cultural hubs of Chinatown and
Kampong Glam – so if you’re craving
mee goreng or murtabak after a night
of partying, you needn’t go too far. The
hostel is air-conditioned and has both
private and dorm rooms.

Insider I HOTEL TREND

Left and right: aside from
bright hues, Pink Manila
Hostel is known for rooftop
revelry

Top party
safety tips
DO
● Travel in groups of at least

WORDS SASHA GONZALES PHOTOS HIDEOUT HOSTELS ASIA

two or three when heading
out to bars or clubs.
● Leave your valuables and
passport behind; only take
an ID if you need it to enter
the bar or club. Most of the
hostels featured have safety
deposit boxers or lockers to
store valuables.
● Tuck some emergency
cash in your pocket or shoe,
in case your wallet gets lost
or stolen.
● Let the host or organiser
know if you intend to leave
the pub crawl early.

DON’T
● Accept drinks from

strangers or leave your drink
unattended.
● Drink too much.
● Drink on an empty
stomach – have something
to eat before or while
you’re drinking.
● Allow strangers to walk
you back after a night out.
● Go swimming if you’ve
been drinking.

Dorm beds start from S$18 per night.
Party factor: The downstairs pub has
been a popular live music venue since
it opened in 2004. Here, guests can
listen to local indie bands, compete
in beer pong tournaments and take
part in weekly quiz nights, all while
enjoying aﬀordable drinks (we’re
talking S$9.50 for a glass of housepour red wine and S$9 for a bottle of
imported beer).

KUALA LUMPUR Reggae

Mansion

Located just steps away from
Chinatown and Merdeka Square,
Reggae Mansion oﬀers shared dorms,
private rooms and a Mansion Suite,
with a living room and kitchen. For
privacy and peace, the dorm beds have
a capsule-like design and the rooms
boast soundproof ceilings. Dorm beds
start from RM48 (S$16) per night.
Party factor: The Rooftop Mansion
is the hostel’s rooftop bar. There’s
something happening here every
night, from talent and karaoke
competitions to themed events,
like 70s and Twister nights. Sip a
range of cocktails, wines, beers and
non-alcoholic drinks while enjoying
spectacular views of the Petronas
Towers, the Kuala Lumpur Tower
and the city skyline.

17

Tired from a late night?
Recover in the Pink
Manila Hostel’s relaxing pool

HO CHI MINH CITY

The Hideout Hostel Saigon
If you love nightlife and shopping,
this hostel is perfect as it’s in the heart
of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant and
central District 1. The rooms are all airconditioned, spacious and clean, and
feature sturdy metal beds and lockers.
Dorm beds start from US$8 (S$11)
per night, including breakfast.
Party factor: The Hideout bar next
door is where guests can enjoy drink
specials and meet for pub crawls.
The bar’s frequent events include
trivia, reggae and bingo nights.
The pub crawl usually includes
popular bars such as Miss Saigon,
Pho Tay and Mad Dog.

The hostel is just a oneminute walk from the
popular My Khe Beach,
and near all the main
restaurants, cafés, bars,
convenience stores, car
and bike rental agencies
and tour agencies, in a
busy part of town. Start
the morning with a
complimentary breakfast
on the rooftop, with
views of the beach and
mountains. Choose
between a dorm bed and a
private room. Dorm beds
start from US$6.65 (S$9)
per night.
Party factor: Check
out the underground
bar, which oﬀers drink
discounts for all guests.
The hostel management
also organises pub crawls
that include a driver and
a guide.

walk from many popular
bars, restaurants and
attractions, and about
a 15-minute train ride
from the Lan Kwai Fong
party haven in Central.
Select from a dorm bed
or a private room with
an ensuite; the dorm
bathrooms even feature
rain showers. Dorm beds
start from HKD$150
(S$26) per night.
Party factor: Check
out the regular pub
crawls, games and
ladies’ nights. These
events, organised by the
hostel’s party planners,
take place on-site as well
as at bars in Wan Chai and
Lan Kwai Fong.

HONG KONG Urban

MANILA Pink

Guests love this hostel
for its central location
in Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon. It’s a short

This four-year-old hostel
is located in a hip college
neighbourhood, near
Makati City and about a

Pack Hostel

ﬁve-minute walk from
the Vito Cruz LRT station.
Hungry? You’ll ﬁnd cheap
street food on just about
every corner. There are
common spaces to lounge
in, play pool or make new
friends. Both dorm beds
and private rooms are
available. Dorm beds
start from PHP450
(S$13) per night.
Party factor: The rooftop,
with its well-stocked bar,
pool and hammock area,
is the setting for many of
the hostel’s nightly events,
like the splashtastic Pool
Party Saturday.

Manila Hostel
Top to bottom: social space
at Reggae Mansion; fun antics
at Pink Manila Hostel

NANTIAN HOT SPRINGS
The high-mineral, high-salinity
Nantian hot springs are perfect for
some R&R. Soak in one of the 34 hot
spring pools that are nestled within a
quiet, calm coconut grove.
@rosieroester

SANYA’S
TOP 10
INSTAGRAM
SHOTS

@lovinglife.beinghappy

NANSHAN TEMPLE
Built in 1998, the Nanshan Temple
complex is Sanya’s centre of Buddhism.
Its centrepiece: the white and gold,
three-sided Guan Yin Buddha statue
perched by the South China sea.
@whyiotter14

20

@claire_ykj

#STREETSCENE
While Sanya has a reputation of being
a resort town, it also has a local soul
that’s best captured through street
photography – like this black and white
shot of a fruit vendor.

Sanya, located on tropical Hainan island and
known as the ‘Hawaii of China’, is home to
palm-tree-lined beaches, coral reefs brimming
with ﬁsh and hills surrounded by lush
rainforest. Deﬁnitely #noﬁlter needed

WUZHIZHOU CORAL ISLAND
This nature-lover’s paradise in
Haitang Bay is covered with some
2,700 plant varieties and also boasts
scenic coral reefs rich with conches,
sea urchins and tropical ﬁsh.

YANODA RAINFOREST

SUNSET SNAPSHOT
No tropical adventure would be
complete without a ﬁery, sunset
photo – either at the beach or
from the top of the hills.

@charlottegammon

Yanoda Rainforest – lush with banyan
trees, lingzhi mushrooms, upas trees,
orchids and sugar palms – is one of
China’s rainforest areas and a must-see
on the Sanya circuit.

@tomcﬁnch

Insider I INSTAGRAMABLE

YALONG BAY

@ﬁonabest

With turquoise waters fringed by
rainforests, this is the place for a
#picturesque beach shot. For a great
bird’s eye view, take a hike up the
surrounding hills.
21

@brian_xian

WORDS ALESSANDRA BERGAMIN

For an air-conditioned escape that
comes with international designer
brands, visit the world’s largest
duty-free shopping mall.

1. LANGKAWI UNESCO
GLOBAL GEOPARK
Contact: +604 960 0600;
langkawigeopark.com.
my/en
Langkawi is home to one
of the most diverse tropical
ecosystems in the world,
with more than 550 million
years of geological history –
and with the region’s oldest
rock formations alongside
rainforests, mangroves and
beaches, there’s plenty to do.
The Geoforest Park is also
home to wildlife ranging from
eagles and otters to reptiles
and macaque monkeys.
Guests at the Four Seasons
Resort Langkawi (from

23

S$690++ per night) can enjoy
free access to the Geopark
Discovery Centre to learn
more about the area.
At the Kilim Karst Geoforest
Park, guided tours are the
best way to discover towering
limestone karst formations.
The Four Seasons offers
private boat excursions
(S$375++ per person) with
an in-house nature guide.
You’ll get up close to ﬂying
lemurs, monkeys, large
monitor lizards, tree snakes
and lush tropical ﬂora. You’ll
also catch red-brown tinged
Brahminy kites soaring
over the water, which are
said to have inspired the
island’s name. You can get
to Langkawi by ferry from
Penang. The trip takes about
2 hours 45 minutes.

2. ENTOPIA BUTTERFLY
FARM, PENANG
Contact: +604 8888 111;
entopia.com
If you’re travelling with
children who want to play

2
little scientist for a day,
visit the Entopia Butterﬂy
Farm – the tropical world’s
ﬁrst butterﬂy and insect
sanctuary.
You’ll be taken on an
adventure trail that allows
you and the little ones to
come into contact with
myriad insect species. The
Natureland area is a living
garden vivarium that’s home
to insects, invertebrates and
small reptiles as well as more

than 15,000 butterﬂies.
Housed in the Cocoon
area, Lumino City is
Malaysia’s ﬁrst indoor ﬁreﬂy
sanctuary to observe the
lifecycle of these bugs, from
bioluminescent eggs to
glowing adult bugs. Continue
through the Cocoon area
to get behind the scenes
of breeding butterﬂies and
learn about the lives
of creepy crawlies through
the interactive displays.

Insider I 5 OF THE BEST

3

Go from city sightseeing
to a rainforest adventure
at KL Forest Eco Park

Try some monkeyspotting in KL

3. KL FOREST ECO PARK

24

Contact: +603 2070 6342
Need a little respite from the
hustle and bustle of the city?
Kuala Lumpur is the only city
in the world with a natural
rainforest situated right in
its centre. Formerly known
as Bukit Nanas (Pineapple
Hill), it is the oldest protected
jungle in Malaysia and was
gazetted as a forest reserve
in 1906.
Traverse the 21m-high
canopy walkway and take
in the rich ﬂora that thrives
within this tropical forest,
also home to silvered langur
and long-tailed macaques.
Both the Merbau Trail (360m
long) and the Jetutong Trail
(300m long) offer short but
pretty walks.

most popular nature parks
in Sarawak, with 16 clearly
marked trails that offer
views of waterfalls and
sandstone rock formations
such as the famous Sea
Stack. Some trails ﬁnish at
secluded beaches where
you can have a pre-arranged
boat waiting to pick you up
once you arrive. There are
options to stay overnight
in the park lodges or do a
guided night walk.

4

5. KINABALU PARK,
SABAH
Contact: +608 8487
466; sabahtourism.com/
destination/kinabalu-park
This UNESCO Heritage-Listed
park is a must visit for orchid
lovers. The 754sq km of
forest surrounding the Mount
Kinabalu area is home to
diverse ﬂora and fauna, with
insect-eating plants and some
1,000 species of orchids,
including the enigmatic
Rothschild’s slipper orchid
– one of the rarest orchid
species in the world.
The park’s headquarters is
the starting point of intense
hikes up to Mt Kinabalu,
including to Mountain Torq,
the world’s highest via
ferrata (a safe climber’s route
including steel cables and
ladders) at 3,776m above sea
level. If that’s not enough
adventure for one trip, you
can also attempt paragliding
or mountain biking.

The trails oﬀer
breathtaking
views

5

4. BAKO NATIONAL
PARK, KUCHING
Contact: sarawaktourism.
com/attraction/bakonational-park
Nature lovers will enjoy the
seven complete eco-systems
found within the national
park here. See everything
from indigenous plants and
rare proboscis monkeys
(found only in Borneo), to
bearded pigs and saltwater
crocodiles that live in the
mangroves. Bako National
Park is one of the oldest and

Travel Info
Jetstar ﬂies up to ﬁve times
daily from Singapore
to Kuala Lumpur and twice
daily from Singapore
to Penang.
Learn about Malaysian
ﬂora and fauna at
Kinabalu Park

To book visit
JETSTAR.COM

Insider I ADVERTORIAL

DATE
SMARTER
James and Suri are
stronger every day
s a managing
director with
a highly
demanding
job, James
Leonard wanted a
solution to ﬁnd his soul
mate in a safe way. Little
did he expect the result to
come quite soon.

A

36

Why did you join IJL?
I lead a stressful life, with
a job that requires tons of
my time and energy – and
this has a corresponding
impact on my personal
life. After being divorced
for more than eight
years, I tried the usual
ways to meet a potential
partner – through
recommendations from
family, friends and even
business acquaintances.
While all had good
intentions, I didn’t
want to feel obligated
or compelled to date
someone who wasn’t
meeting my criteria. I
also spoke to friends
about online dating and
heard all the bad stories
that came with that:
photos were quite dated,

physical descriptions that
were misleading, and
the list goes on. That’s
why the concept of IJL
appealed to me. It was the
professional approach
and ability to deliver
high-quality results
with no hassle. Their
matchmakers delved deep
into my requirements and
worked to send me out
with women who were
my intellectual equal.

What was your
impression of the
process?
It was interesting
– instead of ticking
the usual boxes and
answering some multiplechoice questions, the
interview conducted
in their oﬃce was very
personal and comfortable.
I realised they were trying
to get past the walls we
all have, especially after
a failed relationship.
My interviewer was
sophisticated in her line

Re-entering the dating scene can
be daunting – but James Leonard
took matters into his own hands. He
worked with the experts at It’s Just
Lunch (IJL) in Singapore to help him
save time and ﬁnd his soul mate

of questioning and I was
made to really prioritise
what was important to
me. Our conversations
went beyond the
superﬁcial and I had to
really reﬂect about ‘what
made me dateable?’

How did IJL help you
ﬁnd your partner?
I had gone on two
previous dates, which
were lovely, but with
Suri everything seemed
to click. We’re now
celebrating six years of
being together and every
day we’re going strong!
I felt the instant spark
and chemistry with
Suri because she was
genuine, grounded and
unpretentious. Just like
me, she’s been married
before, but what was most
important was the fact
that IJL made me realise
common values and
aspirations can
really draw two
individuals together.

Why would you
recommend IJL?
Based on my instant
success, I wholeheartedly
recommend IJL, with one
caution. Be sure you’re
serious about ﬁnding the
right person, because
they may ﬁnd that person
faster than you think! I
can certainly vouch for
the fact that they know
what they’re doing and
can deliver the results
if you know exactly who
you’re looking for.

Singapore: (+65) 6536 0100
www.itsjustlunchsingapore.com

25

26

Insider I WHAT’S IN MY SUITCASE?

My iPhone
needs to stay
powered up

My personal makeup
kit is a must

Practical makes perfect

PHOTO WONG WEILIANG STYLING GRACIA PHANG

Makeup artist Larry Yeo believes in packing smart – so he’s never without his
ﬁrst-aid kit and weatherproof jacket

Larry Yeo
Makeup artist
IG @LarryYeo

I LOVE MY Rimowa Salsa
Air Ultralight Cabin
Multiwheel because –
even though it seems
small – it can deﬁnitely
ﬁt in more things than
you would expect.
I pack lots of practical
items, like a ﬁrst-aid kit,
because I’m an ex-Red
Cross member and
because I have so
many allergies.
I also bring along my
Taoist and Buddhist
charm bracelets for ease

of mind. And because
skincare is my soul, my
bag always includes
products such as my
Sunplay Skin Aqua Saraﬁt
UV SPF50+/PA++++. My
personal makeup kit is a
must so that I don’t look
like death; and so is my
lightweight, weatherproof
Timberland jacket.
Finally, my Coach tote
bag gives me the chance
to throw in whatever I
need for easy reach, and
to quickly get going for

my appointments. In
my carry-on bag I will
always pack an extra
set of clothes, a pair
of comfortable shoes,
skincare products,
something beauty-related
to read and an iPhone
charger – just in case
my luggage gets
misplaced (because you
never know!).
And what do I always
buy in every city I visit?
A fridge magnet for
my mum.

27

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KATHERINE
Just three hours’ drive south of Darwin,
this culturally rich town oﬀers easy
access to the natural wonderland of
Nitmiluk National Park
Top to bottom: the
beautiful Katherine river;
take in the serenity of
Southern Rockhole

WORDS GEORGIA RICKARD PHOTOS ALAMY; NITMILUK TOURS; TOURISM NT

6AM CRUISE UP A
BILLION-YEAR-OLD RIVER
Rise and shine – this morning’s
cruise up the Katherine River
with Nitmiluk Tours is worth
every pre-dawn minute. Settle
into your seat and follow the
lazy river upstream through
the famous, 1,650-millionyear-old cliffs of Katherine
Gorge, which crowd over the
river like ancient, wizened
Enjoy a scenic
cruise up the
Katherine River

sentinels. The river, located
in Nitmiluk National Park, is
about 25 minutes’ drive from
Katherine’s town centre, but
feels a million miles from
anywhere. You’ll also visit
10,000-year-old rock art,
enjoy a light breakfast, tea
and coffee – and snap a
million pics. The tour costs
A$90 (S$92) per person.
nitmiluktours.com.au

9AM STRAP ON YOUR
SHOES FOR ADVENTURE
It’ll take you about 90
minutes to walk from Nitmiluk
National Park’s carpark to the
turquoise serenity of Southern
Rockhole – but it’s worth it.
The Windolf Walk leads you
up some very steep stairs to a
beautiful vantage point over
the Katherine River, before

levelling into a scenic stroll
through escarpment country.
Take your time swimming in
the fresh, bright green waters
of the (seasonal) rockhole
before walking back. Prefer
less effort? Nitmiluk Tours
offers a ferry service to and
from the rockhole at regular
intervals, departing from
the same wharf as the dawn
cruise, for A$13 (S$13.30)
per person each way. Both
options are memorable.

29

Insider I DAY TRIPPER
Coco's Backpackers is the
unlikely home to a collection
of beautiful Indigenous art

How to get there
It takes just over three
hours to drive from Darwin
to Katherine, with several
roadhouses and petrol
stations along the way.
Nitmiluk National Park is
roughly 25 minutes from
the centre of town.
All roads are sealed.

4PM SQUEAK AND
SQUEAL IN THE SKY

30

1PM SLIP IN SOME
SHOPPING
A youth hostel might seem
like a strange place for
an art gallery, but Coco’s
Backpackers, located in town,
is not your ordinary stay. It's
also home to some incredible
art. Owner Coco – who won’t
give his real name – has
developed close connections
with the local Indigenous
community. So, inside his tin
shed you’ll ﬁnd an unlikely
collection of beautiful
Indigenous art, including
pieces by an artist whose work
is hung in the United Nations
Headquarters. Prices for art
pieces start from A$50 (S$51).
Where: Coco’s House,
21 First St, Katherine,
+618 8971 2889;
cocos-house.com.au

There is really nothing quite
like a helicopter ride over
Katherine Gorge. Strap in and
take off on a daring adventure
with your skilled local pilot
from Nitmiluk Tours, who’ll
point out hidden waterholes,
water buffalo, wild brumbies
and stunning waterfalls as you
soar high over the national
park’s breathtaking, prehistoric scenery. Depending
on which experience you
choose, you may also ﬂy to
the edges of Arnhem Land,
before landing at an unnamed
waterhole to swim in rubyAbove right: canapés
from Cicada lodge; Below:
soar over the edges of
Arnhem Land

black waters so slippery and
clear you can barely believe it.
Tours start from A$99 (S$101)
per person.
nitmiluktours.com.au

Travel Info
Jetstar ﬂies four times
weekly from Singapore
to Darwin.
To book visit
JETSTAR.COM

7PM DINE IN STYLE
Mushroom tortellini in bush
tomato broth. Eggplant stack
with sweet potato purée and
wattleseed. Smooth-as-a-silkslip sorbet that’s ﬂavoured
with native lemongrass. The
ﬁve-star eco-resort Cicada
Lodge isn’t just located inside
Nitmiluk National Park – with
its dining offering featuring
plenty of bush ingredients,
it tastes like it, too. Owned
and operated by the local
Indigenous community, the
Jawoyn people, the restaurant
at this special place serves
up sustainably minded
and socially progressive
experiences (with a great wine
list to boot) surrounded by the
thick bushland of Nitmiluk,
Jawoyn for ‘cicada country’.
Listen for their chirrups as you
stroll back to your room under
the glittery outback sky. You’ll
sleep well tonight…
Where: Cicada Lodge, Gorge
Rd, Katherine, +618 8971 1022;
cicadalodge.com.au

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Insider I BEAUTY ON THE FLY

The eyes have it
For statement eye make-up on your sojourn, take note of these tips

2

1
3
4

Whether you want a
feline ﬂick or a fuller
ﬂutter, a quick slick of
liner and mascara can
make an eye-catching
impact. When travelling
to humid climates, opt for
waterproof or smudgeproof
mascaras, while gel
and liquid liners last the
distance. Here’s how to
get the look.

1. A CAT’S EYE
A cat’s eye is universally
ﬂattering and a cinch to
achieve. Gel liners work
best as they’re easy to
use and stay put. Using
an angled brush, start by
creating the tail at the
outer edge of your eye.
Then, draw dashes along
the upper lashline to the
inner corner and connect
them. Clean up any
imperfections with a cotton
tip and make-up remover.

Lengthen your lashes
for a luscious look

5

Look sharp

2. A SMOKY EYE

6

A smoky eye is a classic
after-hours look. Get it
in seconds by smudging
black or brown kohl
eyeliner across upper and
lower lashlines, and create
a ‘haze’ by blending with
an eyeshadow brush.

3. FULLER LASHES
For fuller fringing sans
extensions, dust baby
powder over top and
bottom lashes using a
cotton tip before coating
with mascara.

WORDS AIMÉE LEABON

WE LOVE
1. M.A.C Fluidline, S$31 For the precision of a liquid liner in a creamy, gel consistency, dip your brush in this. It’s longwearing and
smudgeproof. Available at all M.A.C counters. 2. RIMMEL LONDON Magnif’Eyes Double Ended Shadow & Liner, S$15.50 This multipurpose pen has a crease-proof shadow at one end and a 24-hour kohl liner at the other. Available at all Rimmel London counters.
3. BURBERRY Cat Lashes Mascara, S$52 This hourglass-shaped brush coats, extends and separates with each swipe. The result? A
dramatic false-lash effect that’s clump-free. Available at all Burberry Beauty counters. 4. LANCÔME Grandiose Liner, S$45 For those
intimidated by liquid liner, this is for you. The 35-degree curved handle makes achieving a pigmented, precise line a breeze. Available at all
Lancôme counters. 5. GIVENCHY Noir Couture Volume Waterproof Mascara, S$54 Best for poolside deﬁnition, this contains a blend of
resin and polymers to coat lashes with a supple-yet-waterproof ﬁlm. Available at all Givenchy counters. 6. REVLON Super Length Mascara,
S$22 Want longer lashes? Boasting a lengthening formula, brush this from the lash base to the tip and layer to amp up the intensity. Available
at all Revlon counters.

Magical Hoi An awaits you.
Visit the UNESCO World
Heritage-listed Old Town and
immerse yourself in bustling
market life, where locals sell
fresh produce and ﬂowers
– photo essay, p46.

37

ACTIVE ADVENTURES 38 I HOI AN 46 I MICHELIN HOT SPOTS 53

EXTREME
measures
If you’re looking for the outdoor adventure
of a lifetime, these destinations are where
all the action’s at – and the best thing is,
they’re all just a short ﬂight away
WORDS SASHA GONZALES

38

COVER STORY I ADVENTURES

Work it like James
Bond! Take ﬂight
on a ﬂyboard for a
real adventure

PHOTOS MIGUEL ROSA AND FLYBOARD BALI

I

t’s always nice to chill
out on a relaxing escape,
but if you want a dose
of serious adrenaline,
book yourself an actionpacked holiday. It’s the
perfect opportunity to try the
coolest new extreme sports,
like canyoning, ﬂyboarding,
sandboarding and cable
skiing. These activities are a
great way for you to keep ﬁt,
uncover physical capabilities
you never knew you had, make
new friends, get in touch with
nature, explore the breathtaking
natural surroundings and add a
new perspective to your holiday
destination.

39

FLYBOARDING
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Bali, Indonesia

40

If you’ve ever wanted to
‘ﬂy’ over water like Iron
Man, here’s your chance.
Using the power from
a jet-ski engine, this
thrilling sport propels
riders ﬁve to 10m above
the water. Just step into
a special pair of boots
that have jet nozzles and
a ﬂyboard beneath them;
the underfoot nozzles
propel you upward when
you tilt your feet and the
ﬂyboard. This underfoot
propulsion lets you stay
jumping and diving for
20 minutes. Why ﬂyboard
in Bali? The vast waters
surrounding the island
give you all the space you
need to practise and show
oﬀ those mid-air stunts.
Flyboard Bali oﬀers
20-minute ﬂyboarding
sessions. Prices start from
US$60 (S$82) per person.
CONTACT: booking@
watersports-bali.com, Jl
Pratama, No 60-112, Tanjung
Benoa, +62 822 2666 7339;
watersports-bali.com

CANYONING
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Dalat, Vietnam
This activity requires you
to hike, swim, rock-climb,
zipline and abseil your
way through a canyon.
The journey may also
involve cliﬀ jumping and
water sliding at certain
points. Canyoning takes
place in and on various
natural environments
like dry and wet cliﬀs,

Are you brave enough
to abseil down
a waterfall?

COVER STORY I ADVENTURES

Top to bottom: Thrill seekers will
love jumping off waterfalls while
canyoning – there’s never a dull
moment; ﬂyboarding pros can soar
high and dive like dolphins

waterfalls, mountains and
rivers, all of which Dalat
is known for. Strong arms
and legs are essential,
as are basic abseiling
skills, which you can
pick up during your ﬁrst
lesson. Dalat Canyoning
Tours runs canyoning
excursions priced from
US$30 (S$41) per person,
including guides,
entrance fees, a picnic
lunch, travel insurance
and equipment.
CONTACT: 6A Tran Khanh
Du St, +84 962474023/
+84 938070234;
dalat-canyoning.com

41

Safety tips
VERIFY FIRST
Always read the vendor’s
safety rules. Check if the
vendor has an excellent
safety record and if all
guides are qualiﬁed,
experienced and trained
in ﬁrst aid.

DON’T PUSH
YOURSELF
If you experience pain
at any point during the
activity, stop. If you have
a medical condition, make
sure you get clearance from
your doctor ﬁrst.

DON’T FORGET THE
INSURANCE

The vast waters give you space
to show oﬀ those mid-air stunts

When buying travel
insurance, make sure
there’s coverage for
accidents that could take
place during extreme
activities.

42

Snowboarding too cold? Try
sandboarding the Tottori dunes
for the same adrenaline rush in a
stunning coastal environment

SANDBOARDING
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Tottori, Japan
Sand dunes aren’t what come to mind when
you think of Japan, but just a two-and-a-halfhour train ride from Osaka you’ll discover
the imposing sand dunes of Tottori. Every
year, hundreds of adventure-seekers ﬂock to
these awe-inspiring dunes to sandboard. You
don’t need any special gear or shoes, just a
sandboard and comfortable clothing like board
shorts and T-shirts. An elastic strap keeps one
foot in place on the back of the board, allowing
you to turn, jump and spin down the dunes.
Exhilarating as the activity is, it’s also a great
way to let go and connect with nature in a
beautiful environment.
Sand Sports Japan oﬀers two-hour
sandboarding sessions with an instructor for
¥3,500 (S$47) per person, including the board
rental and insurance.
CONTACT: 2-8-17 Shinjuku SY Bldg. 9F, Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, +81 36912 1677; sandsportsjapan.com

COVER STORY I ADVENTURES

Take it easy
For some of us, it’s more
about winding down than
heart-pumping action.
These options are just the
ticket if you want
to stay active but in a
more relaxed way.

YOGA
It’s been practised for
thousands of years, but in
today’s high-stress world,
yoga is more relevant than
ever. The various stances
help to centre your mind
and improve your posture
and breathing.
TRY IT: Yoga Movement,
Singapore. 31A & 33A New
Bridge Rd, +65 65344670;
yogamovement.com

Stairs seem dull when
there are cliﬀs to climb

PILATES

ROCK CLIMBING
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Batu Caves is just 20
minutes by train from the
KL Sentral station, but once
you’re there, you’ll feel
like you’re in a completely
diﬀerent world. The famous
limestone cliﬀ, which is also
a religious shrine, hides
a labyrinth of caves, and
you may even come across
species of animals that
are not found anywhere
else – like rare spiders and
bats. With its numerous
crags and highly accessible
climbing routes, Batu Caves
is a popular spot for rock
climbers of all ages and
abilities.
Verticale conducts
rock-climbing services,
starting from MYR118 (S$39)
per person for a half-day
session. The cost includes

Cable skiing is a form
of water-skiing or
wakeboarding – with
a diﬀerence. Instead
of being pulled by a
motorboat, your rope
and handle are pulled
by an electrically driven
cable overhead. Hold on
tight as you manoeuvre
your way across water
obstacles and attempt
various tricks in mid-air.
Phuket is home
to a number of good
wake parks (a lake
with an overhead cable
system) which have
everything you need to
try this action-packed
sport. Phuket Wake Park
is a good place to start.
A one-hour lesson
costs THB1,000 (S$39)
per person.
CONTACT: 86/3 Moo 6
Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu,
+66 7620 2527;
phuketwakepark.com

STANDUP PADDLE
BOARDING
WHERE TO TRY IT:
Perth, Australia
Also known as SUP, standup paddle boarding is not
only a fun sport; it also
strengthens your abs and
improves your balance.
It looks easy enough – all
you have to do is get up on
the board and paddle your
way through the water,
right? But to actually
avoid toppling over, you
do require a few skills,

including board control,
foot placement and
stance, prone and knee
paddling, basic paddle
turns and dismounting.
Fortunately, these are all
covered in your ﬁrst SUP
lesson. And Perth’s scenic
Swan River is the ideal
location to try this activity
– the waters are ﬂat and
calm, so SUP newbies
won’t have too much of a
problem staying on
their boards.
Elemental SUP oﬀers
two-hour introductory
lessons starting from
A$50 (S$52.50) per
person. Equipment
is included and the
lessons take place on the
beautiful Swan River.
CONTACT: Leighton Beach,
14 Leighton Beach Blvd, North
Fremantle, +61 410 142 878;
elementalsup.com.au

Stand-up paddle boarding is
an active but relaxing way
to get in touch with nature

TOP TIP: Bringing your own gear? On Jetstar
ﬂights, your surfboard, skis or snowboard can
all be included as part of your checked baggage
allowance, as long as they’re packed in a bag
designed for that equipment. No single item or
bag can weigh more than 32kg.

A local woman enjoys her
breakfast while selling a
fragrant spice mixture at the
markets in Hoi An’s Old Town.
Opposite page, top to bottom:
Cheery, bright yellow
chrysanthemums for sale at
the markets reﬂect the colours
of the town’s buildings; the
pink jambu fruit is a refreshing
treat on a warm day.

46

photos alicia taylor

The charming riverside town of Hoi An oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a glimpse into
the past â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a vibrant array of experiences

Take a step back in time

HOI AN I VIETNAM

47

48

The quaint streets of
Hoi An exude charm and
overďŹ&#x201A;ow with heritage
buildings which make
the city a veritable
living museum.

Marinated meat skewers
cooked over hot coals
are a popular streetfood choice.

HOI AN I VIETNAM

Join the queues and
line up for a taste
of these fragrant,
sizzling-hot skewers

49

50

Left Food-obsessed locals share meals on the streets
throughout the day and late into the night.
Middle The market’s vendors have an endless bounty of
fresh produce, spices and ﬂowers for sale.
Right In deep discussion with his friend about his boat,
this man is seated next to Hoi An’s picturesque river.

HOI AN I VIETNAM

51

More legroom
to be yourself.
Because you can.
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comfortable flight!
Rows 1, 12 and 13 at SGD32 or
equivalent per seat.

Even if you’ve already
found your way
to these Michelinstarred restaurants
(and hawker stalls)
in Singapore, drop
by their neighbours
for some shopping,
sightseeing and even
a few games
WORDS GRACIA PHANG

53

he Lion City has been
seeing stars over the
past few months.
Michelin stars, to be
exact. After all, the
famous Michelin Guide,
which was established in 1900,
ﬁnally launched its inaugural
Singapore edition in July this year.
Over 12 months, food
establishments island-wide were
assessed by the guide’s inspectors
– on an incognito basis – on factors
including the quality of ingredients
used, how the chef’s personality
was expressed in the cuisine,
consistency between visits and
value for money.
In the end, the Michelin stars
were awarded to a total of 29
establishments in Singapore,
while 34 others received the
Bib Gourmand rating, an
acknowledgment for serving a tasty
meal under S$45.
Here, we not only reveal what’s
good to eat; we also show you
what to see and do close to these
award-winning restaurants and
eateries. Because everyone loves
a winning combo, right?

T
54

A Michelin-starred
bowl full of ﬂavour...
for only S$10

ONE STAR ✪
EAT AT: Hill Street
Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Along with Hong Kong Soya Sauce
Chicken Rice & Noodle, this is one
of only two hawker stalls to get a
Michelin star. This bak chor mee
(minced pork noodles) stall was
ﬁrst started on Hill Street by Tang
Joon Teo in the 1930s, and only
moved to its current premises in
2004. The stall is now run by his
son, Tang Chay Seng, and the dish
of springy egg noodles tossed in
a savoury, vinegary sauce and
served with meatballs, minced
meat, tender pork liver slices
and dumplings remains a local
favourite. A regular bowl costs
just S$5 and a large bowl costs

S$10 – making it one of
the cheapest Michelinstarred meals in the
world. Be ready to queue
for at least 45 minutes.

VISIT: Tolido’s
Espresso Nook

Top to bottom: the S$10 regular
bowl of noodles at Hill Street Tai
Hwa Pork Noodle; food preparation
in action at the popular stall

Need a caﬀeine ﬁx after
that hearty bowl of bak
chor mee? Just a few
minutes’ walk away from
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork
Noodle is this funky
café nestled under an

Executive head chef Ivan Brehm
describes his restaurant as “an
intimate kitchen inspired by the
world” so be prepared to tuck into
food sparked by his travels. The
open-concept kitchen in this
36-seat restaurant lets diners
catch all the action as chefs
prepare the food.
There’s no à la carte menu here
so go for the three-course lunch
menu (S$48++). For dinner, choose
from the ﬁve-course (S$125++) or
seven-course (S$165++) menus.
Expect the likes of bafun uni
(sea urchin) with buckwheat and
chocolate pasta and basil vierge.

VISIT: Lockdown Singapore
Before lunch, work up an appetite
at this escape room game. Pick
from six realistic-looking themed
rooms, analyse the scene for clues
and then try to make your escape.
Each game lasts 60 minutes
and costs S$19–S$22 per person.
Bookings are recommended.

Diners catch all the action
as chefs prepare the food
apartment block and next
to a hardware store. The
coﬀee beans are ground
in-house and used in the
artisanal coﬀee (S$5.50
for a regular latte), which
comes decked out with
pro latte art. For dessert,
there’s the ﬂuﬀy pandan
pancakes with kaya jam
(S$10.90). Wait for it:
these confections are also
laced with gula melaka
(palm sugar) syrup and
coconut ice cream. Yum.

55

Top to bottom: Taste a delicious
dessert at Tolido’s Espresso
Nook; get involved with the
action at Lockdown Singapore

VISIT: Emerald Hill Road
Strange but true: you can take a
break from the bustling action on
Orchard Road simply by turning
into this lane that’s sandwiched
between Peranakan Place and
Orchard Gateway. Once the site of
a nutmeg plantation, this quaint
neighbourhood of colourful
shophouses and charming terraces
was declared a conservation area
in 1989. Take a relaxing stroll or
stop by one of the trendy bars for
a drink (or two). Then pop by One
Price Store, an antiques shop with
a bright red shopfront.

TWO STARS ✪✪
EAT AT: Shoukouwa
Seating only up to 14 guests at any
one time, this intimate Japanese
restaurant ﬂies its ingredients
in from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji

Market every day so you can be
guaranteed the freshest, tastiest
seafood (hint: it’s so ﬂavoursome
you won’t need soy sauce). The
chefs also prepare your food
right in front of you. Star dishes
include the seasonal omakase-style
menu, which may include awabi
(abalone), ankimo (monkﬁsh liver)
and nigiri sushi.

VISIT: The Souvenir Shop
Looking for the perfect Singapore
souvenir? Don’t expect to ﬁnd
conventional ones here. At The
Souvenir Shop, every product is
either designed or made locally.

Our pick? The Hungry Liao T-shirt
(S$29.90), which lists seven of the
most popular local dishes – in case
you miss the taste of Singapore
when you’re back home.

THREE STARS ✪✪ ✪
EAT AT: Joël Robuchon
Restaurant
You’re in good hands here. This
ﬁne-dining French favourite is the
ﬁrst (and only) recipient of three
Michelin stars in Singapore. For
a taste of the winning culinary
experience, try the 16-course
degustation menu of exquisite

SINGAPORE I MICHELIN & MORE

Locations
French classics (S$498).
The à la carte menu
features must-tries like
the wild salmon tartare
with Imperial caviar and
saﬀron crisps, and the
beef châteaubriand with
foie gras. There’s also an
extensive wine list here,
with more than 1,200
labels to round out your
dining session.

VISIT: S.E.A Aquarium
Home to more than
100,000 marine animals
of more than 800 species,
the S.E.A Aquarium is
made up of 49 habitats
such as the Red Sea, Open
Ocean and Shark Seas.
The Open Ocean – the
largest habitat on the
site – boasts a panoramic
viewing panel that’s 36m
wide. Want an even more
upfront experience?
Sign up for the scuba
diving session that will
let you swim alongside
manta rays, leopard
sharks and groupers
under the supervision of
professional instructors.
The session is available
only on Fridays for S$148
per person (bookings are
recommended). An
adult day pass to the
aquarium costs S$34.

BIB GOURMAND
EAT AT: Kok Sen
This zi char eatery
(Hokkien for ‘cook and
fry’ and a colloquial
term used to refer to
home-style Chinese
cuisine) is run by the
third generation of the
founding family. We

Three stars for
this cannelloni
recommend the signature
Big Prawn Hor Fun (S$16)
– slightly charred thick
rice noodles covered in
aromatic brown gravy
and topped with greens
and large prawns. If you
want something more
indulgent, order the
deep-fried Prawn Paste
Chicken.

VISIT: Sri Layan Sithi
Vinayagar Temple
Built in 1925, this

colourful Hindu
temple located at the
junction of Keong Saik
Road and Kreta Ayer
Road is dedicated to
Ganesha, the elephant
deity. Feel free to walk
around the compound,
but remember to be
respectful and adhere
to the temple rules,
such as removing your
shoes before entry and
dressing modestly.
Entry is free.

Stay for team drinks.
Take a later flight.
Because you can.

Try our new FlexiBiz bundle
The bundle that flexes around your business needs:

32

$
= from
Add a
second small
under-seat bag

Catch an
earlier or
later flight^

No change fees
for date, time &
name changes*

Cancel
your flight
for free~

Select an
upfront or
standard seat

The FlexiBiz bundle is only available in the Jetstar Business Hub. Register now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free.
Any questions? Get in touch with our Trade Support. Call us at 800 852 5009 (toll free) or email sales@jetstar.com

jetstar.com/business
Introductory price. The FlexiBiz bundle is an add on to your Economy Starter Fare and only available if you are registered at Jetstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Hub.
^Terms and conditions apply. *Fare difference may apply. ~Refund of full amount in Jetstar credit vouchers. Conditions apply. Bundle price may vary,
depending on sector. For full details visit jetstar.com/business.

November is one of the best times to
visit Japan,
and this Itime
of year also
Explore
INTERVIEW
sees Osaka alight with the colours
of spectacular autumn leaves. There
are many attractions and events
for the whole family to enjoy, with
Osaka Castle Park and Meiji-no-mori
Minoh Quasi-national Park and the
surrounds being particular highlights.

PHOTO OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURIST BUREAU

59

JETSTAR NEWS 60 I STAR JOURNEYS 63 I MAPS 64

Inﬂight I JETSTAR NEWS

READY, SET…
RACE TO
THE GATE

60

Are you a keen race walker? Are you an avid user of our Straight to
Gate service? Do you have a competitive streak? If you said “yes” to all
three questions, then we want you! We’re looking for contestants to join
our inaugural Gate Race. It’s an exciting race through Changi Airport
Terminal 1, right from the airport entrance to the departure gate, where
a real ﬂight, destination and fantastic prize await. Follow us on social
media to see how you can participate and be in it to win.

New Jetstar Travel Shop
Customers in Indonesia are now spoilt for choice when it comes
to booking Jetstar ﬂights and products, with the opening of the
latest Jetstar Travel Shop (JTS) in Medan. The new Medan shop is
the eighth outlet in the country – the others are located in Jakarta,
Surabaya and Palembang.
JTS Katamso-JL. Brigjend Katamso No. 29H Medan

#FRIDAYFREEFLIGHTS =
#FRIYAY
It was a fun October. Thanks for all the
creative lovey dovey, goofy, photobomb and
face-swap passport selﬁes! It certainly spiced
up our Fridays, and we hope you had an
exciting time perfecting those challenging
selﬁes. Congratulations to all 20 winners from
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand
and the Philippines – enjoy your ﬂights and
happy holidays!

PA
S

SA
SAMSUNG
GA
GALAXY
NO
NOTE7
BA
BANNED
SP

OR

T

Please note, the
Samsung Galaxy
Note7 device is
prohibited on-board
all Jetstar ﬂights. This
is due to concerns
regarding potential
ﬁre risk from the
device’s battery after
a number of incidents
worldwide, and
follows a ban put in
place by regulators
overseas. The ban
applies to devices
carried on to the
aircraft, in carry-on
baggage and in checkin luggage. Other
Samsung devices
are not aﬀected.

VISIT US AND
SAY HELLO ON
SOCIAL MEDIA!
facebook.com/JetstarAsiaAirways
@jetstarasia
@Jetstar_Asia

Inﬂight I QUIZ

QUIZ TIME
Get set to test your travel knowledge with this month’s quiz
1. Japanese Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe appeared as
which video game character
at the Rio Olympics closing
ceremony?
2. Which Asian city is home
to the populous district of
Mong Kok?
11

14

3. Which Japanese city
is known as ‘the nation’s
kitchen’?
4. Indigenous to Indonesia,
what is the world’s largest
living lizard?

13

13. In which month of the
year does the annual
Darwin Festival take place?
14. Which Asian ﬁlm star
provides the voice of Monkey
in the animated comedy Kung
Fu Panda?
15. Which New Zealand
tourist destination is
nicknamed ‘Sulphur City’?

6. What does the ‘E’ stand for
in the regional organisation
acronym ASEAN?

A bundle
of business
sense
The new oﬀering from Jetstar oﬀers
corporate travellers hassle-free
ﬂexibility and value for money

62

J

etstar has
always been a
popular choice
for business
travellers,
but our new FlexiBiz
business package makes
it even more eﬃcient
and aﬀordable.
Businesses can now
sign up for a FlexiBiz
bundle in the Business
Hub at jetstar.com/sg/
en/business. From just
S$32, you’ll get a whole
lot of features to make
corporate travel ﬂexible,
including:
● If your meeting runs
early or late, you can
change your ﬂight time
for free.
● If your meeting is
cancelled, you can
cancel your ﬂight for free

and get credit vouchers
to use on your next trip.
● Waiting on a lastminute meeting
conﬁrmation? No
problem – hold a
conﬁrmed booking
for 48 hours before
payment while you
ﬁnalise the details.
● Because we know
you’re in a hurry, we’ll
oﬀer extra carry-on
luggage allowance and
an upfront seat so you
can be one of the ﬁrst
passengers to disembark.
All this plus daily
ﬂights to crucial business
centres including
Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong
Kong, Manila, Kuala
Lumpur and more,
plus easy mobile
boarding passes.

Business beneﬁts
Companies among
the ﬁrst to sign up for
FlexiBiz have found it
very useful. Geoﬀrey
Dickman, head of
marketing at Auto
General, says the new
corporate travel product
“makes sense” for the
company, which uses
Jetstar every month.
“The ability to change
to another ﬂight on the
same day or cancel a
ﬂight and receive a credit
for use rather than lose
the fare becomes a really
attractive proposition.”
Dickman says the
package’s ﬂexibility will
prevent a lot of hassle.
“The beneﬁts of free
ﬂight move, cancellation
etc are great – but the

idea of being able to hold
a seat without payment
for 48 hours is really
valuable, especially when
meetings are organised at
short notice,” he says.
Ms Lim from Focus
Marine Asia says the
oﬀering is perfect for
professionals who need
to travel at short notice.
“The FlexiBiz bundle
gives us the ﬂexibility to
conﬁrm at a later time,
as my husband and his
business partner often
cannot decide on the spot
due to pending jobs.
“Free cancellation and
ﬂight move [are valuable]
as we often encounter
having to purchase
additional return tickets
for earlier ﬂights due
to urgent jobs back in
Singapore,” she says.
Will Tipping, senior
manager, accounting
advisory services at
KPMG, says his team ﬂies
several times a week.
“Given the volume of
travel taken within the
team, I thought FlexiBiz
would be a worthy
consideration for future
Jetstar ﬂights,” he says,
adding the best beneﬁt
is being able to change
ﬂight time for free.
VenturesOne Asia
has also signed up for
the oﬀering, which oﬃce
manager Stephanie
Hassel says will make
travel booking “easier and
quicker” than ever. She
predicts the company will
be booking ﬂights with
Jetstar every week.

Inﬂight I STAR JOURNEYS WINNERS

#StarJourneys
Taken some great snaps during your recent
Jetstar holiday? Post them on social media, tag
(Instagram)
us at #StarJourneys, @jetstarasia (Instagram),
or @Jetstar_Asia (Twitter) or @Jetstar Asia
(Facebook), include a simple caption – and if
we feature your picture you will win a S$100
Jetstar voucher!

about #StarJourneys
SHARE YOUR GREAT TRAVEL SNAPS WITH US AND STAND TO WIN
S$100 JETSTAR VOUCHERS.
VOUCHERS! Simply tag @jetstarasia (Instagram),
@Jetstar_Asia (Twitter) or @Jetstar Asia (Facebook) and include
#StarJourneys in your photo caption. If your picture is featured in the
magazine, you’ll win a S$100 Jetstar voucher that can be redeemed on
Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Paciﬁc and Jetstar Airways ﬂights. We reserve the
right to repost these photos on Jetstar Asia’s social media accounts.

Bernice Lim, @bernicelps
“Happy Wednesday!
Hang in there guys, the
weekend is on its way!”
Siem Reap, Cambodia

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMFORT
Carry-on baggage
Liquids, aerosols or gels
(LAGs) must be in containers
with a maximum capacity of
100ml each. Containers must
be placed in a transparent
resealable plastic bag with
a maximum capacity not
exceeding one litre.

Safety ﬁrst
Please ask the cabin crew
for an infant seatbelt if your
child is under two years old.
Return the infant seatbelt
to our cabin crew upon
disembarkation. Sleeping
on the aircraft ﬂoor is not
permitted. Please read the
safety instruction card in
your seat pocket, noting
emergency exits and
location of life jackets.
Please watch the safety

demonstration prior to
take-off. In an emergency,
the crew will give speciﬁc
instructions. They may
speak assertively and will
require your cooperation.

from the lower legs.
During your ﬂight, move
your legs and feet three or
four minutes per hour, and
move about.

Cabin pressure
Smoking
Government regulations
prohibit smoking on
all ﬂights. There are
smoke detectors in all
toilets and penalties for
regulation breaches.

The importance of
blood circulation and
muscle relaxation
during ﬂights
Compression stockings can
assist in preventing swelling
of the ankles and feet, and
they may improve the
blood return to the body

To “clear” your ears, try
swallowing and/or yawning.
When you are ﬂying with an
infant, give them a dummy
or feed them during the
aircraft’s descent. Sucking
and swallowing will
help the infant equalise the
pressure in their ears.

Cabin humidity /
dehydration
Low humidity in the aircraft
cabin can cause drying of
the nose, throat and eyes,
and can irritate wearers of
contact lenses.

Do:
• Drink water frequently.
• Drink coffee, tea and
alcohol only in moderation.
• Remove contact lenses if
your eyes are irritated.
• Use a moisturiser to
refresh skin.

Jetstar security policy
Jetstar has a strict policy
on denying boarding to
any passengers who are
inappropriate in ﬂight or
on ground in comments or
behaviour. Jetstar does not
accept any inappropriate
comments as “jokes”.
All matters are referred
to relevant authorities for
prosecution. Jetstar will seek
to recover all costs incurred
as a result of inﬂight incidents
from those involved.

Your wedding is a milestone moment

WORTHY OF AN
UNFORGETTABLE SETTING

www.jimbourevents.com
www
jimbourevents com

Take a
journey
east
Be transported back to a faraway
place with this beautiful cookbook
& discover the most celebrated
dishes of Southeast Asia.

The best attraction or local
hangout to take a guest to
is… the Australia Dairy
Company in the Jordan
area for a unique local
vibe – not to mention the
best scrambled eggs in
the whole universe.

CHINA

If you’re only there for a day,
one must-do is to… enjoy
high tea at The Peninsula
Hong Kong for a taste of
this enduring legacy from
the city’s colonial days.
The best place to go
shopping in my city is…
the small local designer
shops, often hidden
in the narrow alleys of
local malls in Causeway
Bay, Prince Edward or
Mongkok.
My favourite street in the city
is… Queen’s Road, which
spans from the East Side
of Hong Kong all the way
to the West Side. Along the
way, you can ﬁnd every

aspect of Hong Kong, from
the local (Wan Chai) to the
ultra-modern (Central) to
the eclectic (Sheung Wan).
The best place for local
eats is… Temple Street
after midnight, when all
the restaurants set up
tables on the street. The

oﬀerings range from clay
pot rice to seafood, and
everything is best washed
down with beer.
The best place for a drink or
meal with a view is… Sevva,
on the top of the Prince’s
Building in Central. As
well as the view, you can
feast your eyes on the
stylish people of Hong
Kong there.

A great place in the city
visitors might not be aware
of is… the second ﬂoor of
the revamped Taipei Main
Station for food.
The best freebie a visitor
can get in my city is… drop
by the SunnyHills cake

TA I WA N

shop where they will
generously serve you tea
and pineapple cake free
of charge.
The best place to go shopping
in my city is… Guang
Hua Digital Plaza for
electronics, or the everpopular Chung Hsiao
East Road for pre-loved
designer handbags.

If you’re only there for a day,
one must-do is to… visit the
National Palace Museum
to see priceless Chinese
artefacts which can’t be
seen anywhere else.
My favourite street in the
city is… Fujin Street in the
Minsheng Community
area for its laid-back,
tree-lined streets and
trendy cafés.
A good souvenir to buy is…
the many exclusive knickknacks at Huashan 1914
Creative Park, which will
be sure to satisfy even the
most jaded shopper.
The best way to get around
the city is… the Metro,

without a doubt. It’s
clean, fast and eﬃcient
and it connects to most of
the city. Or, if you prefer
to pedal, the ubiquitous
YouBike is a great way to
get from A to B.
The best attraction or local
hangout to take a guest to is…
Longshan Temple in the
Wanhua District, because
Taiwanese religious
traditions are alive and
well here.

The best attraction or local
hangout to take a guest to is...
somewhere to enjoy
Jimbaran-style seafood.
Stretched along Jimbaran
Bay, there’s an area ﬁlled
with local cafés serving
seafood ranging from crab

and clams to king prawns
and barramundi. Enjoy a
seafood dining experience
on the beach while
watching the sunset.
A place visitors might not be
aware of that I love going to
is... Gunung Payung beach
in the Nusa Dua area. I
come here quite often to
unwind while watching

seaweed farmers and
sea urchin collectors
performing their
livelihoods.
The best place for a selﬁe or
grouﬁe is... Sky at Ayana.
You’ll enjoy 180-degree
cliﬀ-top views of the
ocean and sunset.
The best place to go
shopping in my city is…
Sukawati Art Market, the
best souvenir market in
Bali. It oﬀers many handcrafted art objects like
paintings.
The best place for local
eats is… Babi Guling
Ibu Oka, opposite the
former Royal Palace in

the heart of Ubud. This
restaurant serves babi
guling, one of Bali’s most
famous dishes. This is
pork infused with local
spices and traditionally
spit-roasted to create todie-for crackling.
The best secret in town
is… Gusto Gelato &
Caﬀé – one of the best
gelato places outside
Italy. There are so many
ﬂavours, but my favourite
is the Snickers gelato.

Inﬂight I DESTINATIONS

73

Kuala Lumpur
RANITA
Withlocals host;
withlocals.com
The best attraction or local
hangout to take a guest is…
Restaurant Sin Kee, if
they like Chinese food.
You can get a variety of
food here and the staﬀ
are very friendly. The
Bangsar area is where
many locals hang out.

A place in the city visitors
might not be aware of that I
love going to is… KL Forest
Eco Park. It’s a quiet spot,
where you can hike or
work out and connect
with nature without
leaving the city.
The most scenic spot in
the city is… The Perdana
Botanical Garden is a
lovely place to relax and
take pictures. There’s a

M A L AY S I A

lake and it’s connected to
many other tourist spots
like the KL Bird Park, the
Orchid Park and Entopia
Butterﬂy Park.
My favourite street in the
city is... Jalan Telawi in
Bangsar. I love the ﬁnedining food experiences
here, and the atmosphere
of the place – it’s perfect
for a night out. If you’re
looking for clubbing,
Changkat is a good place

to start as Jalan Alor (a
street full of food places)
is very close by.
The best place for local eats
is… Brickﬁelds – it’s an
easily accessible place.
The streets near NU
Sentral have lots of
restaurants and street
food – it’s a perfect blend
of Indian, Chinese and
Malay food in one place.
The best place for a drink
or meal with a view is...
SkyBar, but make sure
you book in advance. You
can see the Twin Towers,
and if you feel like
swimming, there’s a huge
pool in the centre.

Inﬂight I DESTINATIONS

74

Singapore
JONATHAN CHIA
Freelance creative director;
mrsoundandvision.com;
@mrsoundandvsion
The best attraction or local
hangout to take a guest to is…
The Shoppes at Marina
Bay Sands, where you
can shop at designer
boutiques and dine at
famous restaurants. Also,
Gardens by the Bay where
you can enjoy nature.

SINGAPORE

Both places let you marvel
at the beautiful skyline.
I love how the scenery
changes as the sun goes
down and the lights in the
buildings come on.
My favourite street is... the
East Coast Road stretch
from the Katong area
to Still Road. There are

charming old-world
shophouses here, yet
you also ﬁnd hip cafés
and restaurants. I love
the Birds of Paradise
gelato boutique there
for its botanicalinspired ﬂavours, like
chrysanthemum.
A place visitors might not be
aware of that I love going
to is… Millenia Walk for
its good dining options.
Despite its location near
the City Hall area, this
mall isn’t very crowded
and is easy to get to.
The best place for local
eats is… a busy coﬀee shop
called Soy Eu Tua on

Upper East Coast Road.
You can get the best
chicken rice here and
also mee pok (ﬂat yellow
noodles in a sauce or
soup) as well as cendol (a
shaved ice dessert with
coconut milk, red beans
and jellies) for dessert.
The best way to get around
the city is… public bus. It’s
still one of the best ways
to explore Singapore.

75

Sanya
WANG FEIFEI
Deputy director at Sanya
Tourism; sanyatour.com
If you’re only there for a
day, a must-do is to... just
relax and wine and dine.
Enjoy fresh seafood and
local dishes at the Yilong
seaside restaurant in
Sanya Bay. For something
luxurious, go to the
Mandarin Oriental’s

CHINA

seaside restaurant. Also,
the Sanya Bay sunset is
something every visitor
should experience.
The most scenic spot in
the city is… Nanshan
Cultural Tourism Zone.
Nanshan has long been
called a blessed place
by Buddhists with a
legendary story tracing
back to the Tang Dynasty.
A 108m-tall Guan Yin

statue stands in the sea,
blessing every visitor.
A place in the city visitors
might not be aware of that I
love going to is… Hou Hai,
a beautiful bay with clear
water and nice waves for
surﬁng. I also like the
Seven Fairy Hot Spring.
The best place for a selﬁe
or grouﬁe is… anywhere,
as long as you are by
the seaside or in the
rainforest. Sanya is
located on the southern
tip of Hainan island, so
one side of the city is
against mountains and
the other three sides are
surrounded by the South

China Sea. You get the
best natural backdrops.
The best place to go
shopping is… Sanya
Walking Street for local
souvenirs. Also visit
Sanya Haitang Bay
International Shopping
Mall – the world’s biggest
duty-free shopping mall.

Inﬂight I TRAVEL TALES

LOST, BUT FOUND
GEORGIA RICKARD has left a long trail of laptops and jewellery behind on
countless trips. But these forgotten items may just have an upside…

76

IT WAS HAPPENING
AGAIN. There I was, tired
and more than a little
bit cross, the last one at
the gate. Not because
I was late – I’d had 30
minutes to tear from
one end of Singapore
Changi Airport to the
other – but because I’d
just smiled at the hostess,
handed over my boarding
pass, and realised: my
laptop. Again.
It doesn’t matter how
many times I check the
hotel drawers: I can’t
seem to travel without
leaving a trail of personal
breadcrumbs in my
wake. Sometimes they’re
smaller items (a phone
charger or a pair of
earrings). Other times,
they’re bigger: I once
locked my only set of
house keys inside a rental
car and didn’t realise
until reaching for them
at my front door. I’ve
left a cash-stuﬀed wallet
on the seat of a plane.
A whole suitcase on a
collection belt. Another
three laptops left behind
in airports (seriously).
There are worse things
to leave behind, mind
you. Famous musician
Yo-Yo Ma reportedly left
a $2.5 million cello in
the boot of a New York
taxi. Lost urns of ashes
and a samurai sword are
just some of the things
you’ll read about in the
global papers. As long as I

don’t leave my mortgage
papers ﬂoating in the
breeze, I like to think I’m
doing well. One of the
best and worst aspects of
travel, though, is that it
ampliﬁes your bad habits.
Away from your comfort
zone, you’re forced to
confront parts of yourself
you may gloss over in
everyday life. One thing
I’ve faced is that I’m not
good with details.
Despite the rather
extraordinary number of
pairs of sunglasses I’ve
lost, I think there’s an
upside to this purported
personality ﬂaw. An easy-

I’ve left a cashstuﬀed wallet
on the seat of
a plane
going mentality might
be maddening when I’m
turning yet another taxi
around to pick up the new
pair of shoes I’ve left at
the hotel, but it’s great
when plans go awry when
you’re travelling. Missed
connection? I’ll shrug and
go shopping. Car broken
down? Then it’s time for
an adventure.
And my laptop? A few
minutes later, it was

returned to me (ﬁlled
with countless hours
of writing work) for
the umpteenth time.
Impulsively, I hugged the
surprised ground control
staﬀ member who’d
pelted across the airport
to deliver it to me, and
said thank you. That’s
the other thing travel has
taught me, by the way:
things usually turn out
okay in the end. Samurai
sword in hand, or not.
Georgia Rickard is an
occasionally absent-minded,
sometimes forgetful,
travel writer.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LONG WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE
Whether your ideal weekend getaway is exploring the cityscape, sunbathing by the beach,
or enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature, Singapore has it all!
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